Throttle Buff is reader-supported: we may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page. Learn more.
In 2024, 55 people motorcycling were killed on New Zealand roads and 527 were seriously injured, according to the Ministry of Transport. Across 2020 to 2024, motorcycles or mopeds were involved in 23% of all fatal and serious-injury crashes in the country: 2,660 of 11,550. Waikato had the most deaths in motorcycle crashes (51), while Tasman had the highest share of its serious crashes involving a motorbike (34%).
We analysed five years of NZ Transport Agency crash data by region. The full table, method and sources are below, and the data and infographic are free to republish with a link to this page.
Key findings
- Almost 1 in 4 serious crashes involves a motorbike. Motorcycles or mopeds were involved in 2,660 of New Zealand’s 11,550 fatal and serious-injury crashes from 2020 to 2024 (23%).
- Waikato is deadliest by count. 51 people died in crashes involving motorcycles in Waikato over five years, followed by Auckland (43), Bay of Plenty (32) and Canterbury (32).
- The top of the South Island stands out by share. Motorbikes were involved in 34% of Tasman’s serious and fatal crashes and 31% on the West Coast, well above the national 23%.
- Bay of Plenty is high on both counts: 32 deaths and a 28% share.
- Otago and Southland have the lowest shares, at 15% each, although every region still saw motorcycle deaths.
Motorcycle crashes by region, 2020–2024
Sorted by the share of each region’s fatal and serious-injury crashes that involved a motorcycle or moped.
| Region | Deaths in motorcycle crashes | Fatal motorcycle crashes | Serious-injury motorcycle crashes | All fatal + serious crashes in region | Motorcycle share |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tasman | 3 | 3 | 47 | 146 | 34.2% |
| West Coast | 4 | 4 | 44 | 157 | 30.6% |
| Bay of Plenty | 32 | 31 | 194 | 813 | 27.7% |
| Nelson | 2 | 2 | 20 | 81 | 27.2% |
| Wellington | 14 | 14 | 195 | 833 | 25.1% |
| Auckland | 43 | 42 | 618 | 2703 | 24.4% |
| Waikato | 51 | 51 | 357 | 1690 | 24.1% |
| Manawatū-Whanganui | 27 | 24 | 201 | 944 | 23.8% |
| Taranaki | 7 | 7 | 81 | 377 | 23.3% |
| Hawke’s Bay | 12 | 12 | 105 | 535 | 21.9% |
| Canterbury | 32 | 27 | 247 | 1330 | 20.6% |
| Northland | 24 | 24 | 130 | 762 | 20.2% |
| Gisborne | 6 | 6 | 25 | 183 | 16.9% |
| Marlborough | 3 | 2 | 19 | 130 | 16.2% |
| Southland | 6 | 5 | 39 | 294 | 15% |
| Otago | 9 | 9 | 75 | 572 | 14.7% |
Totals: 275 deaths in 2,660 fatal and serious-injury crashes involving a motorcycle or moped, out of 11,550 fatal and serious crashes nationwide (one crash with no recorded region is excluded).
Motorcycle deaths in New Zealand by year
Deaths in crashes involving a motorcycle or moped have stayed stubbornly flat for a decade: 53 in 2015, 59 in 2020, 47 in 2021, 53 in 2022, 58 in 2023 and 59 in 2024, based on CAS crash records. These counts include anyone killed in those crashes, which is why they run slightly higher than the Ministry’s figure of 55 people motorcycling killed in 2024.
How to ride safer in New Zealand
- Take an ACC Ride Forever rider training course. They’re subsidised and run nationwide.
- Wear a well-fitting, certified helmet every ride. Use our helmet size calculator and best motorcycle helmets guide.
- Gear up for the weather: see riding in the rain and 4-season jackets.
- Choose a bike with ABS and consider an airbag vest.
- New to riding? Start with our beginner gear checklist.
For the US picture, see our US motorcycle accident statistics.
Methodology and sources
Regional figures come from the NZ Transport Agency’s Crash Analysis System public dataset, filtered to crashes from 2020 to 2024 that involved at least one motorcycle or moped. “Deaths in motorcycle crashes” is the total killed in those crashes, which can include other road users. “Motorcycle share” divides each region’s fatal and serious-injury motorcycle crashes by all its fatal and serious-injury crashes. The 2024 national figures (55 deaths, 527 serious injuries) come from the Ministry of Transport motorcyclist fact sheet, based on CAS data extracted on 16 September 2025. Recent years may be revised as crash records are updated. Analysis by Throttle Buff, November 2026.
Use this data
Journalists, councils and rider groups are welcome to use the table and infographic with a credit link to this page. Data on this page is shared under CC BY 4.0. Embed code:
<a href="https://throttlebuff.com/nz-motorcycle-crash-statistics/"><img src="https://throttlebuff.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/nz-motorcycle-crashes-by-region-infographic.jpg" alt="Motorcycle crashes by NZ region, 2020-2024" width="1200" height="1040"></a><br>Source: <a href="https://throttlebuff.com/nz-motorcycle-crash-statistics/">Throttle Buff</a>
FAQ
How many motorcyclists die in New Zealand each year?
55 people motorcycling were killed on NZ roads in 2024, and 527 were seriously injured, according to the Ministry of Transport.
Which NZ region has the most motorcycle deaths?
Waikato, with 51 deaths in crashes involving motorcycles or mopeds from 2020 to 2024, followed by Auckland (43).
23% of fatal and serious-injury crashes from 2020 to 2024 involved a motorcycle or moped. In Tasman it was 34%.
Where can I take a motorcycle safety course in NZ?
ACC’s Ride Forever programme runs subsidised rider training courses across New Zealand.
